Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 1: President Pratibha Patil today said that Kerala should harness its resources and focus on development of major sunrise industries like tourism, knowledge industry, health and exports.

Addressing a function on the Foundation Day of Kerala here, Patil said: "Kerala has great potential. It should harness its resources and focus on development of major sunrise industries like tourism, knowledge industry, health, exports etc."

On this occasion, Patil also launched imaginative programmes relating to Clean Kerala Mission, Total Physical Fitness and Scholarships for Higher Education.

Patil said that Ayurveda centres that exist in Kerala could be made an integral part of the health sector.

"In creating awareness about a healthy life, the high levels of literacy in Kerala would be greatly helpful," she said.

Observing that the increasing percentage of the elderly population has several implications in relation to health needs, work participation rate, dependence rate and pension requirements, Patil said: "Focused attention needs to be given to meet the needs of the elderly."

She said on-site health care delivery could be provided to the elderly through various measures such as provision of mobile medical units, organising home visits to bed ridden elderly and training caregivers.

"Needs of the elderly population should form a part of the Healthy Kerala Mission," she said.

A Scholarship Scheme for the higher education sector was also launched, under which 10,000 scholarships will be given.

Patil said necessary facilities for establishing centers for handling outsourced work and for setting up IT enabled services should be given importance.

"In this venture, the large Non-resident India community from Kerala could be useful partners and investments from them can be attracted through innovative schemes," she said.

Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, Kerala Legislative Assembly Speaker K. Radhakrishnan and Leader of Opposition Oomen Chandy were present on the occasion. (ANI)